Why is it that crushed ice makes everything in life so much better? probably because there´s RUM in it….“What one rum can’t do, three rums can" – Don the Beachcomber

The fifth rum bottled by Rum Swedes is a 16 year old Caroni, ABV 61.3% or 122.6 proof. This is the sister cask of the 15 year old Caroni 97 that they released a year ago and which i wrote about here. This Caroni is heavier and have a stronger character than the first one.

It`s a strong oaky, woody rum laced with tropical fruits.

It was distilled in 1997 by the Caroni distillery, then aged in a bourbon barrel and bottled in 2013, there are 249 bottles.

I just love Caroni rums – and it´s the heavy ones i love the most – and i think it´s such a shame they are no more produced, so make sure to try them and grab a few bottles before they are gone.

They are pricey yes – but the content in those bottles is really also something very special, and they are rum history.

Nose – I find the nose brimming with notes of tropical fruits and wood, apricot, mature banana, molasses, orange peel, toffee. It`s a very pleasant nose which invites you to have a sip.

In the mouth – The tropical fruits come clearly to the surface and there´s a pronounced tropical exotic fruit taste with a strong woody backbone. It`s easy to sip even though this is a strong rum and there´s a slight burn on the tongue which quickly fades and gives way to rich hints of wood and toast.

A few drops of water brings out a more woody character but at the same time it gets smoother.

This is a real nice Caroni – strong, rich, flavorful and does have a lot of character. I give it a 4 out of 5.

With such a nice rum i really feel like making a Mai Tai because i know it`s gonna be good…

Recently Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell made a VERY tasty Mai Tai for me at Koko-Mo, when he was guest bartending after his Rum Masterclass seminar and i used his recipe for this Mai Tai (just switching out the rums) which is a bit different from the usual Trader Vic`s and it´s not the Don Beachcomber Mai Tai either.

The flavor in this Mai Tai was pleasant, rummy and strong, giving a nice buzz…and a flavor with much character and personality, not on the too sweet side, just the way i like it! in other words – it`s a full flavored Mai Tai!

Jesus, that is some expensive stuff!
I paid 59€ for a 15 yo Caroni (1997 & cask strength as well) from A.D. Rattray.
Cask Strenght Hampden Rums from the 2000 batch (Duncan Taylor, Cadenhead’s, The Rum Cask) are available between 55 and 60€.